"Radical measures
taken in many countries to try to balance public budgets are both
necessary and understandableâ but âCountries are running a high
risk of seriously undermining the European model of social cohesion.â
declared Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland while
opening the Cyprus Forum.

''The
Council of Europe has a unique strategic role to play in strengthening
good democratic governance at all levels in the European space''.
Democracy, or rather good democratic governance, is now not only
intrinsically linked to the respect of human rights but is also
recognised as the most effective form of governance to ensure stability,
sustainability and well-being.

"In
a genuine democracy, the citizen is sovereign and the voter decides"
- that was the main message of the 2009 Forum, which highlighted the
need for greater public involvement, with a view to increasing voter
turnout and ensuring that all stages of public life are democratic..

"Power and empowerment - The
interdependence of democracy and human rights"

This event
addressed issues such as the role and responsibilities of the
opposition, representative democracy at the local and regional level,
empowerment of the individual and non-discrimination, respect for
freedom of expression and association for civil society, and
fostering democracy, human rights and social networks.

The Forum reflected on the role and
responsibilities of political parties in finding democratic solutions to
contemporary challenges, the interaction between political parties and
with other actors in the democratic process, and the building and
strengthening of democratic institutions.